MEAL Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to a collaborative, mission-driven culture that aims to improve the lives of the poor and vulnerable populations around the world. The agency emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Officer will play a crucial role in the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) processes of the organization. Reporting to the Emergency Child Health coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">MEAL Coordinator, the officer will be responsible for overseeing all MEAL-related activities. This includes monitoring project indicators, developing M&E tools, conducting assessments, managing beneficiary databases, and implementing accountability mechanisms. The position requires frequent travel to project areas and collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Project Manager and Emergency Coordinator, to ensure effective project implementation and reporting. The MEAL Officer will also be involved in training enumerators, managing data collection, and utilizing ICT solutions to enhance project monitoring and evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Officer's duties include facilitating workshops, leading nutrition assessments, tracking project performance against indicators, managing beneficiary databases, conducting baseline studies, and performing regular monitoring and evaluations. The officer will be responsible for analyzing project data, ensuring timely evaluations, and developing M&E tools. Additionally, the role involves promoting ICT solutions for project activities, managing feedback and complaints systems, and compiling reports on various project aspects. The officer will also support the development of electronic data entry tools and train staff on data collection methodologies. Regular market assessments and data analysis will be part of the responsibilities, along with maintaining IT equipment and sharing lessons learned from program implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information and Technology Management, Statistics, or a relevant equivalent field. A minimum of 4 years of full-time experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) is required, preferably with an international NGO. Candidates should have thorough technical knowledge in MEAL, experience in database management, and proficiency in quantitative statistical management programs such as Microsoft Access, SPSS, EPI-INFO, STATA, and Microsoft Excel. Familiarity with GIS and GPS technology is also beneficial. Strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to gender-responsive programming, and the ability to work effectively under pressure are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Information and Technology Management or Statistics. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of monitoring and evaluation processes, as well as for managing data effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 4 years of full-time experience in MEAL, with a preference for those who have worked with international NGOs. This experience should include monitoring projects, collecting relevant data, and utilizing various software tools for data management and analysis. Demonstrated experience in participatory action planning and community engagement is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English, Hausa, and Fulani is required for this position. Proficiency in any additional local languages is considered desirable, as it can enhance communication with beneficiaries and stakeholders in the project areas.

Additional Notes:
The MEAL Officer position is based in Maiduguri, Nigeria, with a travel requirement of up to 20% to field locations. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and retirement savings plans. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the country of employment. The organization emphasizes a commitment to safeguarding and expects all staff to adhere to its safeguarding policies and procedures.